Four weeks left to apply for continuation rights

Offshore gambling operators providing online (remote) gambling to consumers in Britain are being reminded that they have until 16 September to apply for a continuation licence to ensure their business is not impacted by amendments to the Gambling Act 2005.

The amendments (Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act)) are expected to come into force on 1 October 2014. Offshore gambling operators – currently regulated overseas but transacting with consumers in Britain – wishing to continue to provide services in Britain beyond this date have until midnight (Greenwich Mean Time) on 16 September to make an application and pay a fee to ensure their business is not impacted. Licence applications must be made through the Commission’s website.

The Act will ensure that all remote gambling operators offering services to consumers in Britain are subject to consistent regulation and will bring the 85% of the remote gambling market in Britain currently regulated overseas within the Commission’s remit. This means that the Commission will be better placed to protect players and to respond to and advise the government on emerging player protection and consumer risks and issues.

If an application – made by an operator currently legally transacting with consumers in Britain – has not been determined by commencement of the Act, the applicant will be issued with a continuation licence to enable them to continue to trade until completion of the application process.

*UPDATE 30 September: Due to a High Court challenge, DCMS postponed the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act coming into force until 1 November 2014.

*UPDATE: The High Court challenge has been rejected. We welcome the judgment. Now we can get on with improving the protection for those gambling in Britain.

Notes to editors

The Gambling Commission (the Commission) regulates gambling in the public interest alongside its co-regulators local licensing authorities. It does so by keeping crime out of gambling, by ensuring that gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and by protecting children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling. The Commission also provides independent advice to government on gambling in Britain.

The Commission and local licensing authorities are responsible for licensing and regulating all gambling in Great Britain other than spread betting, which is the responsibility of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

See the Terms & Conditions section of our website for information on legal advice.